LANSING, MI -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at a press conference Monday announcing the end of the stay-at-home order in Michigan said she hopes to reopen additional businesses, like salons and gyms, by July 4.
A number of businesses will be allowed to reopen or expand services in the coming week. But as of now, that does not include businesses like gyms, movie theaters, salons and state-licensed casinos. However, the governor says the state is inching closer to getting those businesses reopened.
“We’re taking a big step forward today. It’s undeniable. The fact that we’ve gone from a moment where we’ve said ‘everyone needs to stay home, except for these essential things’, to now, ‘it’s okay to reengage except for a few of these things that still are too risky.’ That’s our judgment,” Whitmer said when asked about jump-starting the economy.
“My hope is that we try to dial in two weeks, and take that next step two to three weeks is what we think we need to see in terms of data.”
As part of Monday’s announcement, Whitmer said the entire state is now in phase 4 of her MI Safe Start plan to reengage the state. That allows for bars and restaurants to reopen for in-person dining with capacity at 50%. Other services such as libraries, museums, outdoor public pools and outdoor fitness classes are also now allowed.
In order for businesses like gyms and salons to reopen, the state must be in phase 5 of the state plan. The state closed several sectors of the economy in March through the state of emergency order and subsequent stay-at-home orders.
“I tell people if you’re like me, you need a haircut desperately, a couple more weeks of this and we may be back in a place where we’re able to do that safely. It’s still going to require strict protocols, it’s still going to require every one of us keeping our guard up and doing the right thing,” Whitmer said. “But we may be taking that step and I’d like to do it before Independence Day weekend. But we’ve got to follow the data.”
While it’s encouraging for some that businesses can expand operations and services to earn money, Whitmer said it’s also a period to see how businesses will respond to the new safety measures to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.
“As always, businesses that are permitted to reopen must have strict safety measures, so that they can protect their workers, their customers and their families and clients. So it’s good news. We still have a strict responsibility to make sure that every one of us is doing our part to lower the chance of a devastating second wave,” Whitmer said.
An exact date for when the state will determine if it can move into phase 5 was not announced.
PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Read all of MLive’s coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus